Kent's Youth Spend is in the Paper, not the Pocket
July 16, 2004 9:56 AM
County Cllr Trudy Dean wants more money spent on Kent's Youth Service
County Councillor Trudy Dean today called on Kent County Council to put its money where its plans are by increasing spending on the County's Youth Service.
At yesterday's County Council meeting KCC's Education and Libraries Strategic Plan, its Behaviour Support Plan, and its Public Service Agreement were all discussed. Each one stressed the importance of providing activities for young people, particularly outside the school day. Truancy, vandalism, and obesity can all be reduced, and behaviour improved by working with young people.
But when it comes to finding the money Kent's spending per head on teenagers (13 to 19) is amongst the worst in the country.
Trudy quoted latest National Youth Agency figures showing Kent's poor ranking at 129th out of 136 Local Councils.
Trudy told Council Members, "There are only 6 other authorities spending less than we do on our young people. I have no doubt the Youth Service does an excellent job with the money they are given. But how can we claim that Young People are one of our top priorities? They may be on paper, but the pounds are certainly not in the Youth Service's Pocket."
Note for Editors
The Figures from the NYA can be downloaded by going into the Reports and Information page.